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Topic: Not now, but eventually. (Read 290 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #1 –
Meh.  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #2 –
What I find more interesting in this article is the mention of Ford’s Electric Qualified Vehicle Modifier (eQVM) program. From this link you'll see that three companies have been approved by Ford earlier this year to implement a hybrid electric drive system, an electric powertrain, and a non-electric hydraulic hybrid energy recovery system for the E-450 chassis.



With these continued development efforts maybe the E-450 platform will live longer than Ford had earlier forecasted. But I sure wouldn't buy an RV with these new systems if they are not able to greatly improve their range from "an expected range of 85 to 125 miles on a full charge" for the electric one Winnebago has developed.

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King
 
Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #3 –
"I sure wouldn't buy an RV with these new systems if they are not able to greatly improve their range from "an expected range of 85 to 125 miles on a full charge" "
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Precisely the reason for my "Meh" comment.   ;)
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #4 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
"I sure wouldn't buy an RV with these new systems if they are not able to greatly improve their range from "an expected range of 85 to 125 miles on a full charge" "
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Precisely the reason for my "Meh" comment.   ;)

Exactly as stated by Winnebago
“It’s why Winnebago says that the vehicle is best suited “for urban and semi-urban short range commercial applications like mobile medical clinics, bloodmobiles, mobile classrooms and mobile outreach vehicles.”


Give it time and $5/gallon gas.



Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #5 –
However, the Ford program that Charles mentions has real possibilities. It states that they are looking at a hybrid system which would really improve gas mileage and extend the life of the E-450 chassis.  Here's hoping!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Ed 111  - 
Exactly as stated by Winnebago
“It’s why Winnebago says that the vehicle is best suited “for urban and semi-urban short range commercial applications like mobile medical clinics, bloodmobiles, mobile classrooms and mobile outreach vehicles.”
Give it time and $5/gallon gas.

It will be a very long time before recharging facilities are available throughout the many thousands miles of back roads in the West,  probably never happen in many areas.
It will also be a while before the green electrical generating capability exist to charge millions of car and truck batteries.
If it isn't green power, it isn't worth the effort, nor will it help with green-house gases.
Winnebago's all-electric RV will be limited to metro areas and major highways for a very long time, longer than I plan to RV.

As an experience electric vehicle driver range anxiety is a real concern, when still employed my last two official work vehicles were an electrical Ford Ranger and then a fuel-cell Mercedes .
Cars need at least a 200+mile range, for daily driving,  but an RV would need several times this to venture into unpopuated areas.
An RV could have a large generator to recharge the motive batteries out in the boonies, whoops!, there goes the environmental benefits, plus having to carry the weight of the generator and fuel. 
Hybrid RVs are a more logical possibility, if battery weight can be seriously reduced.
Most of our RVs will be petrol-powered for a long time unless someones finds an inexpensive substance, like dilithium crystals, with an extremely high power density .

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Most of our RVs will be petrol-powered for a long time unless someones finds an inexpensive substance, like dilithium crystals, with an extremely high power density .

Ion propulsion?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tba5X0UjXvg
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #8 –
The truly significant break through will be observed with the green electric orbital launch vehicle.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Not now, but eventually.
Reply #9 –

"It's why Winnebago says that the vehicle is best suited "for urban and semi-urban short range commercial applications like mobile medical clinics, bloodmobiles, mobile classrooms and mobile outreach vehicles." 

Our local blood mobile drives a pollution belching diesel bus that then fires up a huge generator to provide power to the equipment when in use. Battery power would be a huge environmental improvement. Then they would not have to keep the bus tightly sealed to avoid killing their donors with CO poisoning. 😱

Note Winnebago specifically did not say this was an RV product. Winnebago already owns a major portion on that market.

Winnebago is preparing their future and productive facilities for the inevitable slowdown in RV sales.  Increasing interest rates , a weakening stock market and higher gas prices will  take their toll.

A smart move on their part.